’Well, yes.  It is so hard to get things said at the Board.  Of course there are some there who do not understand matters.’

‘I doubt if there be any one there who does understand this matter,’ said Paul.

Melmotte affected to laugh.  ’Well, well; I am not prepared to go quite so far as that.  My friend Cohenlupe has had great experience in these affairs, and of course you are aware that he is in Parliament.  And Lord Alfred sees farther into them than perhaps you give him credit for.’

‘He may easily do that.’

‘Well, well.  Perhaps you don’t know quite as well as I do.’  The scowl began to appear on Mr Melmotte’s brow.  Hitherto it had been banished as well as he...